Santa Clarita Valley residents are invited to attend a Hart School District information meeting about Castaic area high school Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Castaic Middle School. District administrators will provide an update on the progress of building the school and updating plans on the recently board-approved preferred “hybrid” site. The preferred site is now being analyzed under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The public and all responsible agencies will have the opportunity to comment on the soon to be circulated Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which the District anticipates occurring in early summer 2012. After the EIR is completed the Board will have the opportunity to review the EIR, all comments and make a determination if the Board will approve the project. The District anticipates being able to bring the final EIR to the Board for its consideration and potential certification in late summer 2012.

Families in the Castaic and Val Verde communities, with students in 5th grade or younger, are urged to attend, to learn more about the school that their children will attend, which, if approved, is currently projected to open in August 2015. These students will have the exciting opportunity to participate in creating the activities and culture that will shape the future of the school for years to come. First year students will select a mascot and school colors and will elect student leaders.

Providing information during this meeting will be Robert Challinor, Superintendent and Tom Cole, Chief Operations Officer.

They will discuss the estimated building timeline and current status of the project on the hybrid site. This site is comprised of the original preferred Romero Canyon site, plus the addition of an adjacent site. Other information will include a showing of the conceptual site plan for the school, and discussion of the Hart District’s strong track record of success with building new schools, plans for classes that will meet the needs of all students, sports, electives and extra-curricular activities.

“We are moving forward with our plans to bring Castaic and Val Verde residents a comprehensive high school that has been promised to them for the last decade,” Challinor said. “Our hybrid site will serve the community well and provide students with all the top-quality programs and activities that are enjoyed by families at our six other comprehensive high schools.”